Rehabilitation Counselor - Des Moines

Salary : $55,868.80 - $84,676.80 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-03252
Agency: 309 - Iowa Workforce Development - Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 6/11/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Kathleen Davis (View email address on click.appcast.io)


Job Description
Make an Impact. Empower Careers. Strengthen Communities.

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) is seeking a Rehabilitation Counselor to join our team at the Des Moines Vocational Rehabilitation branch office in Des Moines, Iowa . This role is more than a job- it is an opportunity to partner with individuals with disabilities as they build meaningful, sustainable employment and greater independence.
If you are motivated by purpose-driven work, collaboration, and helping others reach their full potential, we encourage you to apply.
Position Details

• Location: 525 SW Fifth St, Suite A, Des Moines, IA
• Schedule: Full-time | Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Work Flexibility: Hybrid telework and alternate schedules available after six months of employment
• Start Date: Immediate

What You'll Do

As a Rehabilitation Counselor, you will provide counseling, coordination, and comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. You will guide participants through career exploration, planning, and placement while collaborating with families, schools, providers, and employers to remove barriers and create pathways to competitive, integrated employment.
Core Responsibilities

• Deliver Pre-Employment Transition Services to potentially eligible students
• Interview applicants and support teams; gather medical, psychological, educational, and social information
• Determine eligibility and Significance of Disability classifications
• Develop Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs) tailored to each participant's goals, interests, and abilities
• Provide counseling and guidance to support informed career decisions and long-term employment success
• Coordinate and authorize services necessary to achieve employment goals
• Interpret and apply federal regulations and agency policies consistently across cases
• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation within the case management system
• Collaborate with internal teams to meet compliance standards, timeframes, and agency goals

Business & Community Engagement

• Build partnerships with employers, community providers, schools, and workforce organizations
• Educate businesses on disability inclusion and reasonable accommodations
• Develop on-the-job training, work-based learning, and apprenticeship opportunities
• Collaborate with the Iowa Workforce Development Business Engagement Team for employer outreach
• Support job carving and customized employment aligned with participant strengths and goals

Additional Expectations

• Travel statewide to schools, rehabilitation facilities, businesses, and community locations
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities
• Successfully complete a criminal background check through the Iowa Department of Public Safety

What We're Looking For

• Strong counseling, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to analyze information, exercise sound judgment, and document decisions clearly
• Commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusive employment practices
• Collaborative mindset and comfort working with diverse stakeholders
• Organizational skills and attention to compliance and timelines

About the Agency

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) operates within Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve independence through employment.
IWD is a statewide agency focused on connecting job seekers with opportunities and supporting employers in building strong, skilled workforces. Through IowaWORKS centers and partner offices across the state, IWD delivers demand-driven workforce services that strengthen Iowa's economy and communities.
Benefits of Working for the State of Iowa

Joining IVRS means becoming part of a mission-driven public service team with a comprehensive benefits package:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off- vacation, sick leave (no accrual cap), and nine paid holidays
• IPERS Retirement Plan plus optional deferred compensation savings
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance & Discount Programs
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Click to learn more about all of the amazing benefits the State of Iowa offers.
The successful candidate must be able to pass a criminal background check conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
The current Rehabilitation Counselor pay grade is 28. For Rehabilitation Counselor positions with a bachelor's degree, the position will be capped at 85%.
Why This Role Matters

Every plan you build, every partnership you create, and every individual you support contributes to a more inclusive workforce and stronger Iowa communities. This position offers the chance to see direct, lasting impact in the lives of others while building a meaningful public service career.
If you're ready to combine purpose with profession, we'd love to meet you.
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify; a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit
No applicant for employment with the Iowa Department of Workforce Development can have a current, ongoing overpayment balance with Iowa Workforce Development without a payment plan in place. Selected positions will be subject to a criminal background check.

Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. All of the following (a and b): (a) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a human-services-related field; and (b) A total of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time work in professional vocational rehabilitation counseling services or human services field, where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a closely-related field equals one year of full-time experience.
2. All of the following (a and b): (a) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field; and (b) A total of twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a closely-related field.

For additional information, please click on this .

Additional Qualification Requirements


Travel may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01


Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02



PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03


Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a human- services-related field; and do you have a TOTAL of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time work in professional vocational rehabilitation counseling services or human services field? Twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a closely-related field equals one year of full-time experience.

• I have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a human- services-related field; AND have a TOTAL of one year of graduate-level education and/or full-time work in professional vocational rehabilitation counseling services or human services field.
• I do not have the required education and experience

04


Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field AND do you have a total of twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in rehabilitation counseling, human resources, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a closely related field?

• I have the required undergraduate and graduate level education
• I do not have the required undergraduate and graduate level education

Required Question